John van 't Schip extends Heart deal

John van 't Schip has signed a new contract to stay as head coach of Melbourne Heart, the Australian club Manchester City bought in January, for a further three seasons.

John van t Schip returned to Melbourne Heart in 2013.

The Dutchman, who was Melbourne's first coach after their foundation, managed Heart from 2009 to 2012 and returned to the club in December after a spell at Guadalajara.

And after taking 20 points from a possible 27, he has been given the backing of the City hierarchy in the shape of a new deal.

City CEO Ferran Soriano said: “We are very happy that John van 't Schip will remain head coach of Melbourne Heart FC. Playing good football is at the centre of our plans for the future of the club and John has already demonstrated his ability to help us achieve that ambition.”

Van 't Schip, 50, said he believes City's takeover will give Heart the investment and opportunity to progress.

The former Ajax, Genoa and Netherlands player will liaise with Soriano, City's football administration officer Brian Marwood and director of football Txiki Begiristain.

He said: “I'm delighted to have been appointed head coach. The club is well positioned for the future and I am excited to be working with Brian and Txiki Begiristain in the lead-up to 2014-15 season.

“It's massive for the club and for Australian football in general. The biggest reason [I left] was the growth of the club was difficult, there was not really a next step. But with the new owners coming in that's all different.”

Van 't Schip is a former Ajax caretaker manager and was assistant manager of Netherlands during Marco van Basten's reign.